MP for North-East Hertfordshire, Sir Oliver Heald, has welcomed the nomination of the Rev. Libby Lane as the new Bishop of Stockport, only a month after the changes to allow the consecration of women were made to canon law. This comes 20 years after the Church created its first women priests. Mrs Lane will be consecrated as the eighth bishop of the town at a ceremony at York Minster on 26 January.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said, “I am a long-standing campaigner for women priests and bishops, and so I am delighted that the Church has made this step forward. Now, gender does not prevent anyone from serving the Church at any level of seniority – a very positive change. I congratulate Mrs Lane and the whole of the Church of England.”

Notes- Sir Oliver served on the Ecclesiastical Committee of the House of Commons from 2010 to 2012.